BNP warns of withdrawing support from interim govt

Staff Reporter :

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has warned that the party will find it increasingly difficult to continue cooperating with the interim government if a concrete roadmap for national elections is not announced by December.

Speaking at a press conference at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Thursday, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “Our top priority is to establish a politically elected government in line with public aspirations as soon as possible.

Therefore, we demand an immediate announcement of a specific roadmap to hold free, fair, and inclusive elections by December 2025.”

He emphasised that the interim government should prioritize this public expectation above all else. “If that doesn’t happen, as a party of the people, it will become increasingly difficult for BNP to maintain its cooperation with this government,” Mosharraf said.

He further warned that any disregard for the BNP’s latest proposals, much like previous ones, would be “unfortunate” and might force the party to reconsider its current stance.

“We may be compelled to reassess our cooperation with the interim administration if our suggestions continue to be ignored,” he added.

He also demanded the removal of interim government advisors Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam, along with national security advisor Khalilur Rahman, in order to uphold the neutrality of the interim government.

BNP leader further said that the national security advisor’s remarks on Wednesday have sparked fresh controversy; he must also be removed to protect the government’s image.

Sit-in suspended for 48 hours, government’s moves under watch
Meanwhile, BNP leader Ishraque Hossain announced the temporary suspension of a sit-in programme for 48 hours at the Kakrail intersection near the residence of the interim government’s chief adviser.

The demonstration had drawn large crowds and caused traffic snarls in central Dhaka since it began late Wednesday night.

Addressing supporters from a makeshift stage on a truck around 4:30 p.m., Ishraque said, “Following today’s High Court verdict, our party has decided to temporarily suspend the sit-in. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, we will observe the government’s steps. Further decisions will be taken based on what they do.”

Despite the legal developments, Ishraque made it clear that the party’s core demand remains unchanged. “Regardless of the verdict or the oath-taking issue, our principal demand is that the student representatives and others must resign. That demand still stands.”

The sit-in was initially launched to protest the delay in handing over official mayoral responsibilities of Dhaka South City Corporation to Ishraque, despite a court ruling in his favor.

Protesters also demanded the resignation of two interim government advisers-Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam-whom the BNP accuses of obstructing the mayoral transition.

Accusation of Government Interference Speaking to supporters, Ishraque alleged that a fake writ petition had been filed in the High Court in an attempt to block his swearing-in.

He urged the interim government to act swiftly in executing the court’s ruling and warned of renewed demonstrations if the process is delayed.

He also apologized for the severe traffic disruptions and public inconvenience caused by the protests. “This was never part of our original plan. We were forced into this by the government’s continued deprivation of our legal and democratic rights,” he said.

Student Wing Ends Protest at Shahbagh Earlier in the day, leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student wing, ended a seven-hour sit-in at Shahbagh intersection and near Hotel Intercontinental. The protests began around 10 a.m. and were called off around 5 p.m.

Rakibul Islam, president of Chhatra Dal, led the programme at Shahbagh, while General Secretary Nasir Uddin led a parallel protest at Hotel Intercontinental. The student leaders demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Shahriar Alam Samyo, a Dhaka University Chhatra Dal leader.

The political tensions continue to mount as the interim government faces increasing pressure from BNP to initiate electoral preparations. All eyes are now on whether the administration will respond with a detailed plan before December, as demanded.